Let me start by saying that I have become totally jaded by the recruiting process. Too often during my time as a reporter have I been snared by the hype of an eventual non-impact player. Too often have I passed over a stud player whom the recruiting sites ignored.

I would report on each news clip for a three-star athlete who would end up not signing anywhere. Even worse, I would watch a highlight video, become entranced, and learn quickly that a highlight video is more misleading than a Michael Moore documentary.

I'm really just tired of it.

Except for the local guys (whom we have seen play) or the top-notch, five-star athletes, it's hard for MAC fans to put much stock in the names announced on Feb. 2, National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

But I know a lot of fans still care. So let me break down the list of 18 players reported to have given the Zips a verbal commitment, which is not binding in any way.

The following information is from either Scout.com, Rivals.com or ScoutingOhio.com.

Karell Bostick, RB, Oradell, NJThe downhill runner split carries in his senior year with a teammate who's going to West Virginia. Scout.com ranks him as the nation's No. 154 RB.

Dylan Brumbaugh, DE, Green, OhioAkron beat out Marshall and Youngstown State for this local lineman, whose size (6-5, 255) makes it more likely he plays defensive tackle.

Bryce Cheek, CB, Lewis Center, OhioCheek became Akron's first commitment in March 2010. He raved about he much he liked Ianello.

John Clay Jr., C, East Saint Louis, Ill.Clay developed a good relationship with o-line coach Mitch Browning and loves Akron's facilities. ESPN.com calls him the nation's No. 23 center.

Bre' Ford, RB, Bethel Park, Pa.Choosing Akron over Buffalo, Ford left the Zips/Miami game convinced that the coaches could get the team back on top in the MAC. Ford is Scout.com's No. 126 RB.

Anthony Fox, K, Youngstown (Cardinal Mooney)Fox was an all-state honorable mention. He also had an offer from Air Force.

Cody Grice, FB, Akron (Firestone HS)Grice was hoping for an offer from Cincinnati, and that has not come. Scout.com named him the No. 12 running back in Ohio, but Ianello recruited Grice to play fullback.

Devonte Morgan, CB, Cleveland (Glenville HS)Morgan chose Akron in early December, over his only other offerror, Ohio. That construction you see along I-77N is Ianello's staff building a pipeline to Glenville High.

Dajour Morris, DT, Johnstown, Pa.ESPN.com has the 6-2, 295-pounder committed to Akron, but does not mention much else.

Kyle Pohl, QB, Germantown, OhioAt 6-3, this pro-style passer can run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Sounds like Patrick Nicely. Scout.com calls him the No. 9 QB in Ohio. Pohl is a three-star QB on Rivals.com.

Vinnie Rizzo, C, Garden City, NYRizzo comes from Nassau Community College with two years of eligibility remaining. The 6-2, 275-pounder, who has already signed a letter of intent, will likely get a chance to fill in for Mike Ward.

Johnny Robinson, WR, Cleveland (Glenville HS)At 5-foot-10, Robinson is sure to be called the MAC's version of Teddy Ginn as soon as he makes a big play.

Nick Rossi, MLB, Taylor, Pa.This is the name you're likely to see atop the newspaper articles. Scout.com gives Rossi four stars and calls him the No. 13 MLB in the nation (Rivals.com says he's No. 45). He chose Akron over Temple and West Virginia, although Temple hasn't given up just yet. Akron has plans to try Rossi out at halfback as well as linebacker.

Travis Switzer, OG, Lancaster, Pa.Switzer chose Akron over Buffalo, although the 6-3, 265-pound lineman was hoping to get an offer from Pitt. He was impressed with InfoCision Stadium.

Isaiah Williams, DE, Cleveland (John Adams HS)ESPN.com calls him a raw player with great intensity. The site ranks him as the nation's No. 218 defensive end, although neither Scout and Rivals have a profile on him.